The Deadliest Day in Houston Fire Department’s History 5-31-13

Yesterday marked the darkest day in the history of the Houston Fire Department. Four Firefighters lost their lives at a motel fire where they were searching for victims of a 5 alarm motel fire at the Southwest Inn Motel near the Southwest Freeway at Hillcroft. In 1929, three firefighters passed away after their engine was broadsided by a train, according to HFD officials.

The Fallen Firefighters are:

Captain EMT Matthew Renaud (35) of Station 51 (not 68). He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in October of 2001 and in addition to Fire Station 51 has served out of Stations 39, 83, 73, 37, 60 and 35. He had recently been recognized for valor.

Matthew Renaud (Facebook photo)

Engineer Operator EMT Robert Bebee (41) of Station 51. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in August of 2001 and in addition to Fire Station 51, has served out of Stations 37, 40, 10 and 48.

Robert Bebee was captured in this story back in September, 2012 about Houston’s new radio equipment. Photo by Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle (link here)

Firefighter EMT Robert Garner (29) of Station 68. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in October of 2010 and has served out of Fire Station 68 since. Garner played baseball in high school and went on to join the Air Force. He volunteered to accompany the Army during two tours in Afghanistan.

Robert Garner (Facebook photo)

Probationary Firefighter Anne Sullivan (24) of Station 68. She graduated from Houston Fire Department Academy this past April and was assigned to Fire Station 68. She is reported to have graduated from Dulles High School in Sugar Land in 2007.

The Houston Fire Department has never seen four firefighters pass away from the same incident in the history of the department. In 1929, three firefighters passed away after their Engine was broadsided by a train.

Five firefighters were initially transported to the hospital for a range of injures from heat exhaustion to a critical injuries.

Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with not only those friends and family of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice today but also those who were injured and all members of our department.